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Senegal to Appeal AFCON Title Decision at CAS After CAF Awards Trophy to Morocco

Senegal’s football authorities have announced plans to challenge a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that stripped the country of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and awarded it to Morocco.

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In a strongly worded statement, the Senegalese Football Federation described the ruling as unfair and unprecedented, insisting it undermines the credibility of African football. The federation confirmed it will take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne in a bid to overturn the decision.

The dispute stems from events during the AFCON final in Rabat, where Senegal initially secured a 1-0 extra-time victory. However, CAF later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match after their players briefly walked off the pitch in protest following a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

The penalty decision, involving Moroccan player Brahim Díaz after a VAR review, sparked heated reactions from Senegal’s players. Although the team eventually returned to continue the match—led by captain Sadio Mané—CAF determined that the temporary walk-off violated competition rules.

Citing Articles 82 and 84 of its regulations, CAF concluded that Senegal’s actions constituted a refusal to play, resulting in an automatic forfeiture. The governing body subsequently recorded the match as a 3-0 win in favour of Morocco, nullifying Senegal’s on-field triumph.

Morocco’s football federation, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, defended the outcome, stating that its appeal focused strictly on the enforcement of rules rather than the match result itself.

The final had already been overshadowed by chaotic scenes, including crowd disturbances and delays caused by protests over the penalty decision. The spot-kick was ultimately saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, before Senegal went on to score the decisive goal in extra time.

The aftermath has triggered widespread debate across the football world. Players and fans have voiced frustration, while global football figures, including Gianni Infantino, criticised the incidents that unfolded during the match.

CAF has since imposed fines on both teams for misconduct, further highlighting the tense nature of the encounter.

Senegal’s decision to escalate the matter to CAS sets up what could become a landmark legal case in African football, raising questions about the balance between strict rule enforcement and preserving results achieved on the pitch.